2012 Cowboys frosh preview: Canyon ahead of the curve

This season, Canyon’s 2012 freshman football squad has demonstrated an advanced learning curve.

“Offensively, we’ve been able to get a lot more done than usual this preseason,” said Canyon freshman head coach Frank Nelson. “Generally after summer, our teams have a grasp of one offensive formation, but this year we have been able to tinker with a few and even experiment with personnel to maximize certain players’ strengths.”

Two freshmen that have seen a lot of the offensive reps are quarterbacks Jack Pinkston and Loman Dunning.

Unfortunately for the Cowboys, there’s a noticeable drop-off in depth and experience on the defensive side of the ball.

Canyon’s defensive line and secondary remain major questions — questions that probably won’t, or can’t be answered until live game action.

Luckily, Canyon will field an excellent linebacking corps of standouts Travis Clarke, Rashad Singletary and Michael Deguzman, who will provide the team with some breathing room while it shores up its rough spots.

Because the offense appears to be in a unique state of harmony, all it should make for a successful 2012 campaign is for the defense to settle into a rhythm of its own.

Last season, Canyon freshman football went 6-2-2 overall with a disappointing Foothill League showing of 1-2-2.

“It’s as simple as we just have to keep getting better,” Nelson said. “Once we have gotten the newer kids used to the violence of the game, we will be able to coach them better and build our team depth.”